Chemical Emergency at West Virginia Refinery Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured

The chemical emergency unfolded at approximately 9:30 a.m. at the Catalyst Refiners plant in Institute. According to Kanawha County officials, the incident occurred while crews were shutting down operations and conducting cleaning. A chemical reaction is believed to have occurred during this process, leading to the release of a dangerous substance, identified as nitric acid, which mixed with M2000A. The Emergency Operations Center was activated, and first responders arrived on the scene quickly. A one-mile shelter-in-place order was issued, affecting nearby communities such as Institute, Dunbar, Nitro, and St. Albans. Road closures, including Routes 25 and 60, were implemented as a precaution.

The incident prompted immediate responses from various state and local agencies. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey assured that a full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Management Division, the Department of Health, and the Department of Environmental Protection are all involved in the response efforts.

Medical officials reported that patients experienced respiratory symptoms, including coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, and itchy eyes. Dr. Tom Takubo with WVU Medicine at Thomas Memorial Hospital indicated that the product spilled was Bonderite, a pulmonary irritant.

Ames Goldsmith Corp., the parent company of Catalyst Refiners, expressed deep sadness over the incident and stated they are cooperating fully with the investigation.

Takeaways for Readers

Preliminary investigations suggest a chemical reaction occurred during cleaning procedures at the Catalyst Refiners plant.

The chemical involved was nitric acid, which mixed with M2000A to create a violent reaction.

A shelter-in-place order was issued, roads were closed, and multiple state and local agencies responded to the scene.

Common symptoms included shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness, with Bonderite identified as a pulmonary irritant.

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